2 Glendale Teens Accused of Vandalizing Hindu Temple

Two Glendale teenagers pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges they repeatedly vandalized a local Hindu temple by spray-painting racial slurs, profanity and swastikas on the building, authorities said.

The names of the suspects, who were arraigned in Los Angeles County Juvenile Court in Pasadena, were not released because of their ages. Each is 16.

One of the youths was on probation for an earlier arson conviction when he was arrested last week at his Glendale home, said Chahe Keuroghelian, spokesman for the Glendale Police Department.

During a search of the home, police found Ku Klux Klan and other white power literature in the boy's room, and racial slurs painted on the walls, Keuroghelian said.

Also found was electronic and music equipment allegedly taken during a local burglary, in which the boy was also charged.

The second teenager faces only vandalism charges in connection with the alleged hate crime at the Ananda-ashram Temple in La Crescenta.

"We are truly praying for these boys," said Marietta van den Berg, secretary of the temple, on Wednesday. "I find it all very sad."